Donald Edward Sassen, 87 of Ventura, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away Monday April 15, 2013 surrounded by family. Don was born in Grand Island, Nebraska to Edward and Elsie Sassen on September 16, 1925. He moved with his young family to Ventura in 1956 where he was employed in the sheet metal industry and a 50 year member of the Sheet Metal Union. Upon arriving in Ventura the family became parishoners of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Ventura. He was St. Bonaventure High School's first PTA President. In the past he held the office of President of the Men's Club at Buenaventura Golf Course. Don was quite proud that he could still golf with a score near his age. He was also a member of the Ventura Elks Club.
Don is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy. He is survived by three sons: Douglas (Cynthia) Sassen of Ventura, Richard (Yvonne) Sassen of Ventura CA, Daniel (Donna) Sassen of Nampa, ID; brother of Jim (Rose) Sassen of Grand Island NE, and Agnes (Jerry) Whitefoot of Santa Barbara; he leaves a score of nieces and nephews; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who were happy to greet Don with giggles and smiles.
The family is grateful to Dr. Mansour and staff for their exceptional care and attention given to Don during his illness.
Don possessed the rare ability to fix just about anything. If you said you were going to replace something, he would step in and repair the object back to its original state. He was truly one of a kind husband, father, grandpa, and friend to everyone he met. His generosity and presence will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the St. Vincent De Paul Society.
Visitation Friday April 19th from 4 to 8pm at the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home 757 E. Main Street Ventura with a rosary in the Funeral Home at 6:30pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday April 20th at 11AM in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Ventura. Burial immediately following at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard. www.reardonfuneral.com